Why does Thanksgiving Dinner Give You Gas?
November 24, 2014
When we think of Thanksgiving, some of the thoughts that comes to mind are good food, family, thankfulness, and togetherness. But, sometimes that togetherness can be a bit uncomfortable if you are prone to flatulence after the Thanksgiving meal. Follow the Natren holiday survival strategy so you don’t become a toxic guest on this glorious holiday?
It goes without saying that most of us tend to overindulge and overeat at Thanksgiving. It’s hard not to when you’re looking at a full table spread of comfort foods like turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, casseroles, and pie. That football game marathon won’t be enjoyable for anyone if that food causes bloating and gas afterwards…
So how can you avoid toxic guest syndrome?
- High carbohydrate, starchy foods like potatoes and bread are prone to causing gas because they are harder to digest. This extra digestion process can cause unwanted flatulence not to mention that undigested food especially carbs, become direct food for the other bacteria – the undesirable kind. The unintended consequence is that the undesirable bacteria produce substances that can make you moody, tired, bloated, just plain out of it. Not a great feeling on Thanksgiving. Gas is not the only unpleasant side effect, there’s constipation, a heavy feeling in the stomach, headache and even lower immunity. These are all consequences of dumping too much food and drink in your digestive tract.
- We all know that certain vegetables like cabbage, beans, and Brussels sprouts have been known to cause gas. Raw veggies like broccoli and cauliflower can also be problematic, but did you know that once they’re cooked they are a little bit easier on the tummy.
- Sugary foods like the desserts, candied yams, and cranberry sauce are another culprit. The sugar can stimulate yeast which causes gas.
- Carbonated beverages are full of gas – that’s why they are bubbly! This year, why not skip the beer or soda and opt for water or tea instead.
If it sounds like that list covers pretty much all your favorite Thanksgiving foods you are correct. But don’t despair, there are a few things you can do to help combat the after diner bloat and toxic wind. Try a few of these tactics and see if you are less likely to break wind:
- Eat smaller portions. Of course you want to try everything on the table and you can — but just take a couple bites of everything. Avoiding overeating can be the biggest help in avoiding gas and bloat at Thanksgiving. You don’t have to deprive yourself; just don’t make a mountain of mash potatoes or a pyramid of dinner rolls.
- Eat your veggies. We already know that veggies can cause gas, but they also provide digestive enzymes that help your body break down the food easier. Just like everything else on the table, don’t overdo the veggies. Eating a small salad before the meal can also help you avoid over eating on the less healthy and more gas-inducing food.
- Get moving. A friendly game of touch football or catch after the meal can help the body move things along. Not into sports? A leisurely walk after the meal does wonders as well. Added bonus? If you do experience gas, you’ll be outside!
- Consume a quality probiotic like Natren. Take our flagship probiotic, Healthy Trinity, one in the morning and one in the evening. We also recommend taking Gastro pH or Digesta Lac before and after the meal. Probiotics help keep the bacteria balanced in the gut and aid digestion. In particular, probiotics aid the breakdown of lactose (dairy), carbohydrates, and certain amino acids from protein.
If you follow our suggestions, you can avoid being the toxic guest and help your family and loved ones have a silent night.
The post Why does Thanksgiving Dinner Give You Gas? appeared first on Natren Probiotics Blog.
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